Wild Signs Danny Irmen To Contract

Danny Irmen racked up 103 points on 54 goals and 49 assists in 118 career games with Minnesota.

Here’s one way to relieve some of the bitterness about coming up on the short end of one of the most shocking upsets in college history: deposit a big check and fulfill a lifelong dream.

It’s easier said than done, but on Wednesday, Danny Irmen did just that by signing a multi-year contract with the Minnesota Wild beginning next season. Irmen is expected to sign an Amateur Tryout contract with the Houston Aeros where he will join the team for its American Hockey League playoff run.

"Danny cannot play with us this year," said Wild assistant General Manager Tom Lynn. "It’s a multi-year deal, so he’ll spend a couple years developing. Could he play right away? It’s possible. Could he start next year in Houston and get called up? It’s just as possible. Whatever is best for his development as a Wild player is where he’ll be next year."

Added Lynn with a hint of sarcasm, "but he’ll be making more money next year than he did this past year."

"It’s a dream come true for me," said Irmen. "It’s why you strap the skates on when you’re four-years-old, so you can have a chance to play in the National Hockey League and this is one step towards that goal. I head out to Houston tomorrow and hopefully I can fit right in and be a part of a playoff run."

More Irmen Height - 6’ Weight - 190 Hometown: Fargo, North Dakota Helped Gophers To: Final Five Championship - 2004 Frozen Four Appearance - 2005 MacNaughton Cup - 2006 Twice named WCHA Player of the Week last season Member of 2005-2006 All-WCHA Third Team

Minnesota’s third round pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft recently completed his junior season with the Minnesota Gophers. Though he missed 11 games to injury, the power forward with plenty of feistiness managed to finish third on the Gophers in goals (16) and fourth in points (38). Irmen is no stranger to banging in the loose puck while banging opposing defensemen at the same time.

Lynn confirmed that the Wild needs more of the garbage goals that Irmen can hopefully provide while wearing green and red.

"We’re trying to add more grit, obviously, and we’re trying to get what they call ’greasy’ goals," said Lynn. "Danny’s gotten those goals in college, but it will be a big transition to the pros. He’s got to make sure he can do that as a pro and we’ve got to make sure we get a number of guys that do that, and not just one."

The Fargo, North Dakota native’s best college season came a year ago when he tied for the team lead with 24 goals in 44 games while leading Minnesota to a berth in the 2005 Frozen Four. He admitted it was tough to leave his Gopher teammates and coaches.

"It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make in my life," said Irmen. "I sat back and thought about it with family, friends and coaches. Being a part of the Gophers was the best three years of my life. I wanted to go back my senior year and make a run at that title, but they’ll make a run with or without me. I wish them the best and thank them for everything they’ve done for me."

The Gophers will have some serious filling-in to do without Irmen and his linemate, Ryan Potulny, who also signed a pro contract with Philadelphia. Some speculated that Potulny’s signing last week meant Irmen’s departure was imminent. Irmen says that’s not so.

"It didn’t really have anything to do with Ryan and what he did," he said. "After he left, I thought that if I did come back it would be my team along with Mike Vannelli and Kellen Briggs. But you have to go your own way. It’s what’s best for the player."